Database Develop

[Q] Any way to lose the Nook apps main button?

During two 12 hour days of rooting and customizing two CNooks, I ran across a procedure for removing the stock Nook apps. Now I can't find it. I'm not sure if that included the main soft button, as well, but I'm giving one of these to my 75 year old Mom and I don't want her confused if she hits this button all the time.
Really appreciate any help here!!!

ClarkSt said:
During two 12 hour days of rooting and customizing two CNooks, I ran across a procedure for removing the stock Nook apps. Now I can't find it. I'm not sure if that included the main soft button, as well, but I'm giving one of these to my 75 year old Mom and I don't want her confused if she hits this button all the time.
Really appreciate any help here!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK there's no way to remove the nook shortcut menu in the status bar. So what is she using it for, never reading on it? If you removed the apps and she did launch the shortcuts I guess it'd just fail to load the app, as they seem to be static shortcuts to those apps.
I would think when we get a custom ROM the status bar will be at the developers digression, and maybe someone will figure out a way to update the framework jar to remove the shortcut. My wife likes the shortcut, as her NC is 50/50 reader/tablet.

I installed the Kindle app on the Home screen, which I prefer. The Nook eReader is still there in the app tray, but because I changed the screen res, it screws up some of the texts in the Store and what not. The reader is still fine, though. But with the larger icons and text, it is WAY better. I tricked it out with the Aquarium Live Wallpaper and added Dolphin browser, which supports pinch zoom. And an email client; WeatherBug Elite, a Battery widget, a clock widget, and a WiFi toggle widgit went on the Home screen, as well - and I'm using Zeam for a launcher. I removed all the icons except the app drawer - and also changed the Volume Down button to be a Back and the Up to be a Menu. No SoftKeys for me. BTW: I set the lcd res to 220 using LCDDensity - far better than the 250 someone mentioned on the forum. I still see the time and the notification balloon - albeit, a bit truncated, but it works. I run SetCPU, though not really sure I need to.
I use Quick Settings for Volume.
I'm missing a few things:
1) Love to find out how to do a screen capture.
2) Desperately want Flash.
3) Desperately want Bluetooth.
And, really want to noop the nook shortcut launcher soft key - or preferably the whole status bar. I don't need it, with all the widgets, but I'd be happy to have it as long as the shortcut launcher softkey was nullified.

I'm planning to get NC for my parents of the same age like your mom as well.
They would use it for email and web browsing while traveling.
I hope you will succeed and share

Cool - and of course I'll share! Fact is, it's not a deal-breaker by any means. I
'll just tell her to avoid hitting that menu button. And if she does, she just clicks on the screen or clicks the button again to get rid of it. I'm really more interested in Flash - which I'm sure will be in 2.2, whenever they release it for the CN - and BT. Which I really want for the new BT headphones I bought for my lost Archos 70.

post deleted. it repeated my last one.

Screen capture - hold down the large physical "n" button, and then very quickly press the volume down button. It will store the .png screenshot file in a directory called "Screenshots" in the system storage.
Now, if someone knows how to do video capture of the screen, please let us know.

KryptoNyte39 said:
Screen capture - hold down the large physical "n" button, and then very quickly press the volume down button. It will store the .png screenshot file in a directory called "Screenshots" in the system storage.
Now, if someone knows how to do video capture of the screen, please let us know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome... thanks for posting this. I previously download ShootMe unaware of this functionality.
I did it all from my Nookie...

[Q] Apps won't rotate to landscape

Hi guys, I didn't see this asked anywhere else. If I missed it, feel free to lock or delete this post.
Rooted my Nook with AutoNooter, all has been perfect for days. Now, all of a sudden, none of my apps will rotate to landscape: Market, Gmail, built in browser, Opera, nothing. The weird thing is my homescreens will rotate (I'm using Zeam), and things like angry birds that load in landscape are fine. Any suggestions?

Have you checked your settings? There is a setting that can be toggled under display to enable auto rotation. I would give you the specifics but my NC is at home.

I saw that option in the Zeam settings, and it is enabled, that's why my homescreen still rotates. I can't find a setting that would control the apps rotation. I don't know if this is a Zeam issue, since everything on my homescreen is okay. And it happened all of a sudden, I hadn't changed any settings or fiddled with anything anywhere else. All I did yesterday was check my email and play angry birds

It should be a setting for your Nook Color not Zeam. In your apps drawer find NookColorTools. Then look for a display setting.

Okay, here is another stupid question... when I go into my nook color tools, my "back" and "menu" buttons dissappear from the bottom of my screen, so how do I back out of a menu? The only thing I can do is hit my n button to go back to the home screen, and when I go BACK into nook color tools, it is still in the same menu I was at before. I can't find a way to get to the main color tools menu. I've killed all my running apps, and color tools still wont go back to it's main menu. Shutting the nook off works, but that's a pain in the butt. I don't want to remap my volume buttons, because I use them all the time. Is that my only option? I don't have this problem with any other app, just nook color tools.
Thanks guys!
Edit: Found the setting in Color tools, so that problem is fixed. I don't know how that setting got "unchecked" I haven't been in the settings recently???? oh well, it's fixed.
...but I still don't know how to back out of a menu in nook color tools without shutting down the device.

MissKristine said:
Okay, here is another stupid question... when I go into my nook color tools, my "back" and "menu" buttons dissappear from the bottom of my screen, so how do I back out of a menu? The only thing I can do is hit my n button to go back to the home screen, and when I go BACK into nook color tools, it is still in the same menu I was at before. I can't find a way to get to the main color tools menu. I've killed all my running apps, and color tools still wont go back to it's main menu. Shutting the nook off works, but that's a pain in the butt. I don't want to remap my volume buttons, because I use them all the time. Is that my only option? I don't have this problem with any other app, just nook color tools.
Thanks guys!
Edit: Found the setting in Color tools, so that problem is fixed. I don't know how that setting got "unchecked" I haven't been in the settings recently???? oh well, it's fixed.
...but I still don't know how to back out of a menu in nook color tools without shutting down the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go back a screen anywhere as long as you can see the black bar on the bottom of the screen. All you have to do is swipe your finger from right to left and it will go back. You can also get Button Savior or SoftKeys from the market and they will allow you to have buttons display over the top on the screen so they are always there

Thanks! I forgot about the swipe feature. I have softkeys but i don't like the additional buttons hovering. I just use the back and menu buttons on my status bar and have my n button programmed to go to my launchers homescreen. Nice and clean and simple. Just the way i like it
Thanks again everyone!!
Sent from my Nook Color using XDA app

Broken Keyboard Settings, Please Help!!

Well after trying to install slide it on my Nook the settings button in Nook settings for keyboard no longer works. It just flashes me to home page. Looking for ways to restore the settings if possible. Also i cannot place anything on desktop when long pressing and going into short cuts. Same deal just flashes back to default home screen. Please Help!!

1.) Download & install NookColor Tools, available in these forums. There are enhanced keyboard settings. If that doesn't work, then try "Keyboard Manager", also available in threads here. If neither of those work, restore your LatinIME.apk file (if you backed it up), or download the original LatinIME.apk from threads here, place it in /system/app w/correct permissions, and reboot.
2.) The way to get apps on the desktop is longpress on the app FROM THE APP DRAWER and after a few seconds, you automatically are brought back to the desktop, with the app icon in context to move wherever you want on the desktop. using the method you tried doesn't work.

Thanks so much not only did i get the settings fixed but i now have slide it installed too. It's nice to be able to side load apps now too

easier way
i also had the same problem until i accidentally figguered it out:
when you have the keyboard on the screen, simply hold on the special characters switcher button (the very down left) and a pop up will show up with the shortcut to working settings.

[launcher] AppDrawer (MIUI App Drawer)

I recently rooted my NST with NookManager, and was looking to run a "stealth" root under stock. I used the Nook Touch Mod Manager to change the LONG PRESS on the 'n' button to launch THIS. After some fiddling with the options, it pops up a single 5 x 8 grid of apps on a white background with black text. You can long press on an app to hide it. Simple and fast.
I'll be happy to post a screenshot if I can figure out how to take one! :cyclops:

This is the best app for a rooted NSTG No need to fiddle with different launchers, it just works as an extension to the B&N homescreen. Thanks for the tip!
johnseeking said:
I recently rooted my NST with NookManager, and was looking to run a "stealth" root under stock. I used the Nook Touch Mod Manager to change the LONG PRESS on the 'n' button to launch THIS. After some fiddling with the options, it pops up a single 5 x 8 grid of apps on a white background with black text. You can long press on an app to hide it. Simple and fast.
I'll be happy to post a screenshot if I can figure out how to take one! :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

johnseeking said:
I recently rooted my NST with NookManager, and was looking to run a "stealth" root under stock. I used the Nook Touch Mod Manager to change the LONG PRESS on the 'n' button to launch THIS. After some fiddling with the options, it pops up a single 5 x 8 grid of apps on a white background with black text. You can long press on an app to hide it. Simple and fast.
I'll be happy to post a screenshot if I can figure out how to take one! :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pardon my ignorance, but how exactly do you 'fiddle with the options'? The app opens in fullscreen mode, and i can't find the way to get the status bar to show up, tried everything...
my nook simple touch rooted with nook manager, so relaunch is the shell(or whatever it's called) from which i run app drawer...
Thanks!

nnbveh said:
Pardon my ignorance, but how exactly do you 'fiddle with the options'? The app opens in fullscreen mode, and i can't find the way to get the status bar to show up, tried everything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this issue with another app and here is what I did:
Temporarily assign the "Menu" function to one of the hardware keys using NookTouchModManager (unless you have it set up that way already for other purposes--I keep a long-press on one button this way just in case).
When you launch your app you will now have a way to access menu functions even though it is running full-screen. In my case I was able to change the settings on my app so it would *not* run full-screen by default, but that is probably not what you want in this instance. After you have made your adjustments, you can change the hardware key back to its default, although I think keeping both a "Back" and "Menu" option around is not a bad idea.

VERY late reply...
I use an app called Button Savior which lets you add a set of software buttons which expand or collapse when you touch an assigned target point on your screen. (I have mine set to a long press in the lower left corner, and since I bought the pro version I can customize my target to be invisible.) That way I can always get to a menu button if I need one.
Don't have my NST with me, so I can't tall you what version I'm running, but I'm pretty sure it's the current version on Google Play.

I came across this old post and thought I'd look up the app to see what it was like. I've attached a copy below.
This is not actually a "launcher" despite what the thread title says. It is plain-and-simple an App Drawer. But as the OP said, it can provide almost a "stealth" modification of the NST. To me it seems ideal for the person who says "I only want to root so I can run app x--I don't want a lot of stuff on it."
There are a few hurdles to get to that point, so here is a brief outline of steps to get it working:
1. Root with NookManager (update it first if you're rooting FW 1.2.2)
2. Install the app along with a good file manager like ES File Explorer which will give you root access when you need it (ReLaunch can't).
3. Use Nook Touch Mod Manager to assign a button press (maybe a long-press?) to the MIUI app. You can use one of the hardware buttons or (less "stealth") one of the QuickNav buttons you don't use like Social, or Shop or Search.
4. Temporarily assign one of the hardware buttons to "Menu". This is needed because the MIUI app opens in full screen by default and you can't get at the settings without the Menu button.
5. Run the MIUI app and configure as you want (there is an option not to hide the status bar). Once you have the appearance you are after note that you can long-press on an app to (among other things) hide it from the drawer or even uninstall it. I suggest you uninstall ReLaunch.
6. Go back to Nook Touch Mod Manager and remove the temporary "Menu" button assignment.
And you're good! Your NST still looks and works like its old self but you're one button-press away from accessing any apps you may want to install. And you have a decent file manager

Guide installing android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.

Hello, in this guide I am going to describe how to side load android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.
Requirements.
A device to use the google home app.
A List of apps you want to install, make sure you have a keyboard and home screen launcher in mind.
Not a requirement but basic understanding of the talk back screen reader will be helpful.
Next some things to be aware of.
While ADB is in developer settings I haven’t found a way to connect the clock to a pc using the dock I tried a usb C to A cable but that did not work.
The draw over other apps permission is unavailable.
Here are the specks that we are working with.
Processor
MediaTek™ MT8167S Processor (1.50 GHz)
Operating System
Android 10
Display Type
4.0" LCD IPS Touchscreen
Memory
1 GB
Hard Drive
8 GB Flash We have about 3.3 GB free.
Finally, I am visually impaired so the way I describe things may not make sense for some. If you have trouble understanding please let me know.
Note You are doing all this at your own risk. However, everything is easy to undo with a factory reset.
Instructions for factory resetting.
Flip the mute switch to muted.
Press both volume buttons for ten seconds.
A window should now come up asking if you want to reset. If nothing is pressed the device will auto reset in a minute.
OK, let’s start.
Find a website where the apk is that you want to install.
Now find a way where that website will come up in a google search.
Note do to how google displays the search button may not be available, so we will have to rely on Google’s auto complete feature.
Examples:
If you were looking for nova launcher, you would be using nova launcher.ap we will want google to finish adding the K.
Add this word to your calendar. For example,nova launcher.ap
Make sure this is the same calendar that the clock is signed in to.
Next open the google home app. Find your device click on settings then accessibility.
Next click the switch next to screenreader.
Your clock should now start talking or making sounds.
If so, ask google “what’s on my calendar?” Swipe right until the event you added is spoken or highlighted.
Next swipe down and right in a single motion an L shape.
Swipe right until copy last utterance is selected double tap, if successful the menu should disappear.
It may take a few tries to get it.
Next open the same menu, (swipe down and right.)
Swipe until talkback settings is selected. Double tap again.
A new screen should appear.
Now swipe, swipe a lot until privacy policy is selected.
Double tap, a browser should now open.
Swipe and double tap to allow all the permissions.
Next swipe until google apps is selected. Double tap then find search and double tap to activate.
Find the search box, double tap to get into it.
Now swipe up and right in a single motion
If successful a new menu should come up. Find edit then activate paste.
If the text gets pasted in the search box, you can now turn off talkback.
Back on your phone flip the switch next to screenreader.
Now here is where things get difficult, the text should be in the box, But I was not able to see the search button with talkback. If you see the button, try turning off
talkback and pressing it
If the search button does not show up here is where you will have to rely on Google auto complete suggestions.
You should have a pretty good idea of what to do from here.
Note that when you download something a window will come up with all downloaded files. The first time you install an apk you will have to click allow from this source when that window comes up.
Notes.
I recommend you install something like nova launcher, for a replacement home screen.
When you install a replacement home screen you will have to click always on the new window that will pop up.
If you want to get back to the regular clock interface, launch the home app.
Any questions feal free to ask.
Remember doing a factory reset will clear all changes made.

What apps have you found that work well and are useful?

Most apps should work, since this is basically android 10, but here are some ideas.
1. Aurora Store
auroraoss.com
Allows you to download apps from google play without play services installed.
2. any voice recorder, you can record audio, but I recommend turning the microphone gain up since the microphone is a little quiet. Note, that when recording Google assistant will not be listening.
3
Ultimate alexa.
Allows amazon alexa to be used. with wake word and all.
4. Last launcher.
Last Launcher | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Faster than Light
f-droid.org
A simple and small launcher that will show all apps on one page.
The built in browser seems to work well.
You could also install youtube vanst so that youtube could work on the clock.

Mainly want to get the Google home app on there.
Need some help. Got nova launcher running. Then when I applied my nova settings, it went back to the Lenovo home screen. How do I get it back to nova? Lol
Nevermind. I found it.
willbilec said:
Most apps should work, since this is basically android 10, but here are some ideas.
1. Aurora Store
auroraoss.com
Allows you to download apps from google play without play services installed.
2. any voice recorder, you can record audio, but I recommend turning the microphone gain up since the microphone is a little quiet. Note, that when recording Google assistant will not be listening.
3
Ultimate alexa.
Allows amazon alexa to be used. with wake word and all.
4. Last launcher.
Last Launcher | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Faster than Light
f-droid.org
A simple and small launcher that will show all apps on one page.
The built in browser seems to work well.
willbilec said:
Most apps should work, since this is basically android 10, but here are some ideas.
1. Aurora Store
auroraoss.com
Allows you to download apps from google play without play services installed.
2. any voice recorder, you can record audio, but I recommend turning the microphone gain up since the microphone is a little quiet. Note, that when recording Google assistant will not be listening.
3
Ultimate alexa.
Allows amazon alexa to be used. with wake word and all.
4. Last launcher.
Last Launcher | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Faster than Light
f-droid.org
A simple and small launcher that will show all apps on one page.
The built in browser seems to work well.
You could also install youtube vanst so that youtube could work on the clock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a quick way to get back to nova launcher when I decide to be on the clock for a while.
You could also install youtube vanst so that youtube could work on the clock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

If you open the home app, not assistant core. their is a app called home, this app should allow you to get back to the default launcher if you do the back gesture.

I am trying to get Ring in it!

Any chance you can do a YouTube guide on how to do this. I would love to be able to install Auora OSS to easily install other apps. Thanks.

I am going to make a YouTube tutorial and how to connect Bluetooth keyboard! NOT USB !!!!!!DONGLE!!!!!!

How can I enable notification toggle ?

willbilec said:
Hello, in this guide I am going to describe how to side load android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.
Requirements.
A device to use the google home app.
A List of apps you want to install, make sure you have a keyboard and home screen launcher in mind.
Not a requirement but basic understanding of the talk back screen reader will be helpful.
Next some things to be aware of.
While ADB is in developer settings I haven’t found a way to connect the clock to a pc using the dock I tried a usb C to A cable but that did not work.
The draw over other apps permission is unavailable.
Here are the specks that we are working with.
Processor
MediaTek™ MT8167S Processor (1.50 GHz)
Operating System
Android 10
Display Type
4.0" LCD IPS Touchscreen
Memory
1 GB
Hard Drive
8 GB Flash We have about 3.3 GB free.
Finally, I am visually impaired so the way I describe things may not make sense for some. If you have trouble understanding please let me know.
Note You are doing all this at your own risk. However, everything is easy to undo with a factory reset.
Instructions for factory resetting.
Flip the mute switch to muted.
Press both volume buttons for ten seconds.
A window should now come up asking if you want to reset. If nothing is pressed the device will auto reset in a minute.
OK, let’s start.
Find a website where the apk is that you want to install.
Now find a way where that website will come up in a google search.
Note do to how google displays the search button may not be available, so we will have to rely on Google’s auto complete feature.
Examples:
If you were looking for nova launcher, you would be using nova launcher.ap we will want google to finish adding the K.
Add this word to your calendar. For example,nova launcher.ap
Make sure this is the same calendar that the clock is signed in to.
Next open the google home app. Find your device click on settings then accessibility.
Next click the switch next to screenreader.
Your clock should now start talking or making sounds.
If so, ask google “what’s on my calendar?” Swipe right until the event you added is spoken or highlighted.
Next swipe down and right in a single motion an L shape.
Swipe right until copy last utterance is selected double tap, if successful the menu should disappear.
It may take a few tries to get it.
Next open the same menu, (swipe down and right.)
Swipe until talkback settings is selected. Double tap again.
A new screen should appear.
Now swipe, swipe a lot until privacy policy is selected.
Double tap, a browser should now open.
Swipe and double tap to allow all the permissions.
Next swipe until google apps is selected. Double tap then find search and double tap to activate.
Find the search box, double tap to get into it.
Now swipe up and right in a single motion
If successful a new menu should come up. Find edit then activate paste.
If the text gets pasted in the search box, you can now turn off talkback.
Back on your phone flip the switch next to screenreader.
Now here is where things get difficult, the text should be in the box, But I was not able to see the search button with talkback. If you see the button, try turning off
talkback and pressing it
If the search button does not show up here is where you will have to rely on Google auto complete suggestions.
You should have a pretty good idea of what to do from here.
Note that when you download something a window will come up with all downloaded files. The first time you install an apk you will have to click allow from this source when that window comes up.
Notes.
I recommend you install something like nova launcher, for a replacement home screen.
When you install a replacement home screen you will have to click always on the new window that will pop up.
If you want to get back to the regular clock interface, launch the home app.
Any questions feal free to ask.
Remember doing a factory reset will clear all changes made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my issue here is how to enable the screen reader using the google home app on iOS. I think they removed it

So after installing Nova Launcher there will be a pop-up we always have to click? Is that the choose default launcher pop-up?

@willbilec Could you please list what software build version you have? Because I can get to auroraoss and nova launcher but when I click the download APK button the button flashes (so I know it was clicked), but nothing happens? No pop-up to click install. What am I missing?

I am facing the same problem, after clicking on the download link nothing happens. Has the download capability been disabled on the latest build? I know that as soon as I turned on the device and got it connected it performed an update

After I've added the link to my calendar and ask google to show my calendar she says she can't find anything in my calendar. Is this patched?

I followed this guide again and it worked totally fine. I went into settings and disabled auto update and turned on OEM unlock.

This is a really cool solution that almost worked with the mi smart clock.
Unfortunately the xiaomi(or google?) guys have scraped everything that resembles a browser or could possibly open a link.
Also, went trough all the settings (using the method described above, and searching for settings, apps, etc.) Everything that's USB or Bluetooth related is severely cut down to only work as needed for the intended functionality. Can't attach a keyboard. Can't transfer a file trough Bluetooth. So, although in theory you could install anything, u can't get any new files downloaded on the device.

When i get to the paste section, it seems somehow "Home" has been copied instead of my event name.
When i'm copying i've checked "repeat last utterance" before i "copy last utterance" and it's correct, but when i go to paste in the search box, i get "Home"
is this happening to anyone else?

Nice work!

ggreenwood334 said:
Need some help. Got nova launcher running. Then when I applied my nova settings, it went back to the Lenovo home screen. How do I get it back to nova? Lol
Nevermind. I found it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...So what did you do? I can't figure this part out either.
edit 1:
ok for anyone else, follow the instructions again right up to install, but instead of "install" select "open". Then when I rebooted the device i was able to tell it to use nova launcher "always", and then using the launcher home to get to the android settings, I was able to connect a bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
However, short of rebooting every time the clock home screen or browser comes up, I haven't figured out a quick way to exit that and return to the nova launcher home.
edit 2: Ok with the screen reader enabled, you can swipe up and left (L shape rotated 180 degrees) to return Home, then set Nova7 as Home. If you add a bluetooth keyboard, you can also alt+F4 to return home.

Has anyone been able (A) to get ride of the "muted microphone" screen overlay icon or (B) prevent the google home setup screen from taking over when trying to connect to a wifi ssid without internet access?